10/01/2025
Practicing what I Preach. If you have a reactive dog this is for you.
I have a human and dog reactive pup, Max is my "why" of becoming a dog trainer.
Helpful Tips:
#1 and this is in my opinion of the utmost importance. Stopping rehearsal at home. If you have a front facing window....and your dog barks at every human and dog walking by they are rehearsing. When they get out and about their body reacts even before their brain does. Either get curtains or Amazon has this gorgeous cling plastic that looks like any design the light comes through but you cant see out on the lower half of the window where to dog can bark. You can also block access to the window by baby gates or crating in another room.
#2 rule out any medical issues my reactive dog has IBD it means any diet change can cause him to have an upset stomach or flare. Once I found a food that he tolerated and daily probiotic which I highly recommend every dog be on...it helped his anxiety greatly.
#3 work on basic foundation obedience skills.
#4 create space always from triggers even if it means changing your route. If there is a dog you know will bark behind a fence cross the road to the other side.
